US. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), American Airlines, MarketPlace PHL and hospitality group OTG today held the grand opening for the airport’s new Terminal B.
The $30 million investment includes a new, wider range of shopping and dining options, improved technology and an immersive, free-flowing design. The grand opening finds the project on schedule for its phased 18-24 month roll-out plan. The team implementing the TB changes was led by OTG in partnership with the airline, airport and MarketPlace PHL.
New concepts have already begun to open along with OTG’s CIBO Express Gourmet Markets, which features locally sourced and inspired items from small businesses throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding area.
In total, eight new dining venues have been introduced including food and beverage services in 15 Gate Lounge areas. Menus at all price points will emphasise fresh, locally sourced ingredients and will highlight regional and local dining experiences. New concepts include French-inspired bakery Boule Café, Mediterranean mezze concept Baba Bar, Italian eatery CIBO Bistro & Wine Bar, beer and bratwurst concept Germantown Biergarten, steak and chophouse Independence Prime, fresh sushi concept Noobar, Philly comfort food concept LOVE Grille and Neapolitan Pizza concept Mezzogiorno.
In addition, travellers will have access to more than 1,000 iPads positioned throughout restaurants and gate lounges. Driven by OTG’s ‘flo’ technology, the iPads allow guests to track flights, browse the web, play games, and order food and amenities from visual menus and have them delivered to their seat. Customers also have access to more than 2,000 power and USB ports with the redesigned terminal seating.
“American is excited about the transformation we have seen Terminal B undergo over the past months,” said American Airlines Vice President – PHL Hub Operations Olympia Colasante. “It is a pleasure to walk through the new Terminal B, between the amazing new restaurants, waiting areas and shops. I wouldn’t be surprised to see our passengers arriving at this terminal a little earlier than normal for their flights in the future.”
OTG Founder & CEO Rick Blatstein said: “When I got into this business, I always looked forward to the day I could come back to reinvent my hometown airport at this scale. Today, that dream becomes a reality. I couldn’t be prouder of our team, who have done an amazing job here at PHL.”
Today’s grand opening event at the terminal includes a stage presentation and ribbon cutting with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, followed by concept tastings and chef demos by Nicholas Elmi, Erin O’Shea and Stalin Bedon. A small gathering of media and stakeholders will also take place.
“Today’s grand opening is an opportunity for us to show some of the results of our hard work over the past several years,” said PHL CEO Chellie Cameron. “Terminal B reflects the spirit and the tastes of our great city, and I know our passengers will enjoy spending time here.”
“With the incredible dining experience and market options OTG is bringing to the table, travellers will need to leave a little extra room in their bags and stomachs before leaving for their destinations” said MarketPlace PHL Operating Partner and LeJeune and Associates President/CEO Clarence LeJeune. “We are excited for PHL passengers to experience it – we know they are going to react just like we did – they are going to love it.”
TB’s physical interior was developed by OTG in collaboration with architects and designers to combine comfort with free-flowing spaces. British lighting designer Tom Dixon created installation artwork for the terminal and Philadelphia-based Daroff Design + DDI Architects designed the new restaurant concepts. The airport facility has also been modernised with the introduction of 15 tech-driven Gate Lounges that allow guests to order food, drinks and amenities from their gate.
In addition to the improvements by OTG to the gate areas and culinary offering, the airport has undertaken a “Touch Every Surface” programme that includes new ceiling tiles, new heating and air conditioning, new ceramic tiles and refinished terrazzo floors.
